The story
Alfio's Buon Cibo has been a fixture on Hyde Park Square for over a decade, quietly doing what it does best: bold, handmade food and thoughtful hospitality. Chef Alfio Gulisano's cooking is Italian at its core, but his Argentine roots add a distinct fire—seen in everything from the way pasta is rolled to the comfortable, unpretentious energy of the room. After years in top kitchens, he opened his own place in 2012 with a simple goal: serve food that means something. Twelve years later, that hasn't changed. He still rolls pasta by hand, and most nights you'll find him in the kitchen.
The restaurant offers both a Chef's Tasting Menu—a seasonal journey paired with wines that speak to each dish—and an a la carte menu of bold pastas, vibrant Argentine flavors, and signature favorites. The Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, awarded in 2025, reflects the care given to every bottle on the list, from thoughtful selections to perfect pairings.
Among the standout dishes, the slow-braised short ribs over house-made gnocchi in a truffle and spinach cream sauce took home Best Entrée at last year's Taste of Cincinnati. Other regulars include the Veal Short Rib Ravioli in a creamy white truffle and marsala sauce, the Angus and 5 Cheese ravioli baked in marinara, and a quartet of empanadas—spiced beef, Korean BBQ, spinach and cheese, and chicken carnitas elote. Each plate is made to order, reflecting Chef Alfio's blend of tradition and quiet rebellion.
Recognition
Location